Jeju Culture & Traditions
Discover the unique cultural heritage, traditions, and customs that make Jeju Island special
π UNESCO Heritage
Haenyeo culture recognized worldwide
πΏ Stone Guardians
Iconic Dol Hareubang statues
π Unique Language
Jejueo - distinct from Korean
πͺ Seasonal Festivals
Year-round cultural celebrations
Cultural Traditions & Heritage
Explore the rich cultural traditions that have shaped Jeju Island's unique identity
Haenyeo (Women Divers)
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Traditional female free-divers who harvest seafood from the ocean without breathing apparatus
Cultural Significance:
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage representing women's independence and environmental harmony
When to Experience:
Year-round, best visibility in spring and autumn
Where to Experience:
Visitor Tips:
- β’Visit the Haenyeo Museum to learn about their history
- β’Respect their work - don't disturb them while diving
- β’Try fresh seafood caught by Haenyeo at local restaurants
- β’Learn about their unique whistle breathing technique
Dol Hareubang (Stone Grandfathers)
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Iconic stone statues carved from volcanic rock, serving as guardians and symbols of Jeju
Cultural Significance:
Traditional guardians believed to ward off evil spirits and bring fertility and protection
When to Experience:
Year-round
Where to Experience:
Visitor Tips:
- β’Touch their nose for good luck (traditional belief)
- β’Learn about the three different types based on their origins
- β’Visit Jeju Stone Park for the largest collection
- β’Great photo opportunities throughout the island
Jeju Language (Jejueo)
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Unique language of Jeju Island, distinct from standard Korean
Cultural Significance:
Endangered language with unique vocabulary and grammar, part of Jeju's cultural identity
When to Experience:
When interacting with elderly locals
Where to Experience:
Visitor Tips:
- β’Most younger people speak standard Korean
- β’Learn a few basic Jeju phrases to show respect
- β’Attend cultural performances featuring Jejueo
- β’Visit the Jeju Language Research Center
Jeju Shamanism
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Traditional spiritual practices and beliefs unique to Jeju Island
Cultural Significance:
Ancient belief system connecting people with nature spirits and ancestors
When to Experience:
During traditional ceremonies and festivals
Where to Experience:
Visitor Tips:
- β’Respect sacred sites and ceremonies
- β’Learn about the role of female shamans (mudang)
- β’Understand the connection to Jeju's natural environment
- β’Visit during traditional festivals for authentic experiences
Traditional Crafts
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Traditional handicrafts including pottery, weaving, and woodworking
Cultural Significance:
Preserves ancient techniques and reflects Jeju's natural materials and lifestyle
When to Experience:
Year-round at workshops and cultural centers
Where to Experience:
Visitor Tips:
- β’Try hands-on workshops to learn traditional techniques
- β’Purchase authentic crafts as meaningful souvenirs
- β’Learn about the use of local materials like volcanic rock
- β’Support local artisans and cultural preservation
Traditional Jeju Cuisine
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Unique culinary traditions featuring seafood, pork, and local vegetables
Cultural Significance:
Reflects Jeju's island geography, climate, and cultural exchanges
When to Experience:
Year-round, seasonal specialties vary
Where to Experience:
Visitor Tips:
- β’Try black pork (heukdwaeji) - Jeju's famous specialty
- β’Experience fresh seafood caught by Haenyeo
- β’Learn about fermentation techniques for preservation
- β’Taste unique ingredients like hallabong citrus and bracken
Festivals & Cultural Events
Experience Jeju's vibrant festival calendar celebrating nature, tradition, and community
Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival
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When:
Late March - Early April
Duration:
2-3 weeks
Celebration of Jeju's famous cherry blossoms, earlier than mainland Korea
Festival Highlights:
Location:
Various locations including Jeju City and Seogwipo
Cultural Significance:
Marks the beginning of spring and renewal, important for agricultural communities
Visitor Tips:
- β’Book accommodation early as this is peak season
- β’Best viewing spots include Jeju National University and Seogwipo
- β’Combine with hiking for mountain cherry blossoms
- β’Try cherry blossom-themed foods and drinks
Canola Flower Festival
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When:
April - May
Duration:
1 month
Celebration of Jeju's golden canola flower fields
Festival Highlights:
Location:
Seopjikoji, Seongsan area
Cultural Significance:
Celebrates agricultural heritage and the beauty of Jeju's farming landscape
Visitor Tips:
- β’Early morning visits offer the best lighting
- β’Wear bright colors for photos against yellow flowers
- β’Try local honey and canola oil products
- β’Combine with visits to nearby Seongsan Ilchulbong
Jeju Fire Festival
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When:
Early March
Duration:
3-4 days
Traditional festival involving controlled burning of grasslands
Festival Highlights:
Location:
Saebyeol Oreum, various locations
Cultural Significance:
Ancient agricultural practice to prepare grasslands for new growth and control pests
Visitor Tips:
- β’Spectacular night views of controlled burns
- β’Learn about traditional farming practices
- β’Dress warmly as it's held in early spring
- β’Respect safety barriers and follow guidelines
Jeju Summer Festival
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When:
July - August
Duration:
Throughout summer
Beach and water-themed festivals celebrating summer
Festival Highlights:
Location:
Various beaches and coastal areas
Cultural Significance:
Modern celebration of Jeju's beach culture and tourism
Visitor Tips:
- β’Perfect time for beach activities and water sports
- β’Evening events offer relief from daytime heat
- β’Try summer specialties like cold noodles and shaved ice
- β’Book beach accommodations well in advance
Hallasan Snow Festival
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When:
December - February
Duration:
Winter season
Winter festival celebrating Hallasan's snow-covered beauty
Festival Highlights:
Location:
Hallasan National Park area
Cultural Significance:
Celebrates the unique winter landscape of Jeju's highest mountain
Visitor Tips:
- β’Proper winter gear essential for mountain activities
- β’Check weather conditions before hiking
- β’Enjoy hot springs after cold weather activities
- β’Try traditional winter warming foods
Jeju Tangerine Festival
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When:
November - December
Duration:
2 months
Celebration of Jeju's famous tangerine harvest
Festival Highlights:
Location:
Tangerine farms throughout Jeju
Cultural Significance:
Celebrates Jeju's most important agricultural product and farming heritage
Visitor Tips:
- β’Visit working tangerine farms for authentic experiences
- β’Try various citrus varieties unique to Jeju
- β’Purchase fresh fruit and citrus products
- β’Learn about sustainable farming practices
Cultural Etiquette & Customs
Learn proper etiquette and customs to show respect and enhance your cultural experience
Greetings & Respect
Korean culture emphasizes respect, hierarchy, and harmony in social interactions
β Do:
- β’Bow slightly when greeting or thanking
- β’Use both hands when giving or receiving items
- β’Show respect to elderly people
- β’Remove shoes when entering homes or some restaurants
- β’Wait to be seated at formal meals
βDon't:
- β’Point with a single finger
- β’Touch someone's head
- β’Show the sole of your foot to others
- β’Refuse offered food or drink without polite explanation
- β’Be overly loud in public spaces
Dining Etiquette
Dining is a social activity with specific customs showing respect and consideration
β Do:
- β’Wait for the eldest to start eating
- β’Use chopsticks and spoon properly
- β’Try all dishes offered to you
- β’Pour drinks for others, not yourself
- β’Finish your rice completely
βDon't:
- β’Stick chopsticks upright in rice
- β’Point chopsticks at people
- β’Start eating before elders
- β’Pour your own drink
- β’Waste food
Religious & Sacred Sites
Religious sites are sacred spaces requiring respectful behavior and appropriate dress
β Do:
- β’Dress modestly at temples and sacred sites
- β’Speak quietly and respectfully
- β’Follow photography guidelines
- β’Bow before entering temple halls
- β’Remove hats and sunglasses indoors
βDon't:
- β’Wear revealing clothing
- β’Touch religious artifacts
- β’Make loud noises
- β’Ignore posted rules
- β’Disturb people praying or meditating
Public Behavior
Public behavior reflects consideration for others and maintaining social harmony
β Do:
- β’Keep public spaces clean
- β’Queue properly and wait your turn
- β’Offer seats to elderly, pregnant women, or disabled
- β’Keep voice down on public transport
- β’Follow local customs and rules
βDon't:
- β’Litter or damage property
- β’Cut in line
- β’Eat smelly food on public transport
- β’Play loud music without headphones
- β’Ignore local customs
Business & Formal Interactions
Formal interactions require proper etiquette showing professionalism and respect
β Do:
- β’Exchange business cards with both hands
- β’Study received business cards respectfully
- β’Use formal language and titles
- β’Dress conservatively for business
- β’Be punctual for appointments
βDon't:
- β’Write on someone's business card
- β’Put business cards in back pocket
- β’Use informal language with strangers
- β’Dress too casually
- β’Be late without notification
Language & Communication
Essential phrases and communication tips for your Jeju visit
π£οΈ Basic Korean Phrases
Hello
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an-nyeong-ha-se-yo
Thank you
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gam-sa-ham-ni-da
Sorry/Excuse me
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joe-song-ham-ni-da
Do you speak English?
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yeong-eo hal su it-na-yo?
ποΈ Jeju-Specific Phrases
Grandfather (Dol Hareubang)
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ha-reu-bang
Female diver
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hae-nyeo
Volcanic cone
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o-reum
Hallasan Mountain
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hal-la-san
π‘ Communication Tips
- β’ Download translation apps like Google Translate
- β’ Many signs have English in tourist areas
- β’ Younger people often speak some English
- β’ Hotel staff usually speak English well
- β’ Use gestures and pointing when needed
- β’ Have your destination written in Korean
- β’ Tourist hotline 1330 offers multilingual help
Experience Jeju's Rich Culture
Immerse yourself in the unique traditions and customs that make Jeju Island special